Shoe Upgrade = Significant Performance Updgrade?
05-06-11, 03:05 PM
#1
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Shoe Upgrade = Significant Performance Updgrade?
I had planned to upgrade my helmet to an Ionis (mostly for vanity reasons, although a little less weight on the noggin might be nice). I am now thinking that I'd be better off using that money to upgrade shoes. I currently use the Nashbar Pro II Road Shoe: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_202527. After nearly two-years, many thousands of miles and about a dozen 100-plus mile rides, I have no complaints in terms of their comfort and durability.
However, I wonder whether a serious upgrade (Sidi or equivalent), going from plastic to carbon, etc., would make a noticeable difference in terms of power transfer. I do believe that I experience a bit more flex in the top of my shoe than in the past. I wonder how much energy is wasted in that flex and how much a better shoe might help.
Thanks for any thoughts on this.
However, I wonder whether a serious upgrade (Sidi or equivalent), going from plastic to carbon, etc., would make a noticeable difference in terms of power transfer. I do believe that I experience a bit more flex in the top of my shoe than in the past. I wonder how much energy is wasted in that flex and how much a better shoe might help.
Thanks for any thoughts on this.
05-06-11, 03:19 PM
#4
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No.
05-06-11, 04:37 PM
#7
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If you're looking for a steal on some good CF soled shoes go to bonktown.com now, the Shimano R132 is on sale for $54. Hopefully you have a small foot though, looks like nothing bigger than a 40 is available.
05-06-11, 05:58 PM
#8
Senior Member
To me it's a no brainer, upgrade to a pair of Sidis or Specialized BG carbons. It won't SIGNIFICANTLY improve performance, but it will improve the power transfer between the legs and pedals/ cranks. You'll be amazed at the difference.
Upgrading a helmet for vanity is understandable, but the shoes, imo, are a better investment.
And at the end of the season you can pick up a Giro, Bell, or other quality helmet on closeout.
2cents
Upgrading a helmet for vanity is understandable, but the shoes, imo, are a better investment.
And at the end of the season you can pick up a Giro, Bell, or other quality helmet on closeout.
2cents
05-06-11, 05:59 PM
#9
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05-06-11, 06:08 PM
#11
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I have two pairs of shoes. One pair is carbon with Speedplay pedals and the other is plastic with Look pedals. I don't really notice a difference but it could be because Look pedals probably work better with cheap shoes than do Speedplay pedals. When I am ready to buy new shoes again for my Speedplay pedals, I will be buying carbon shoes again.
05-06-11, 06:17 PM
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Upgrade whichever one you currently feel is less comfortable. My opinion going from a cheap helmet to an Ionos is that the helmet is the better investment. It will keep you cooler and you'll feel less hindered with less weight on your head. I went from $300 Specialized shoes to $75 Pearl Izumi shoes because I was sick of the noise the ratchet mechanism started to make on the Specialized. The PI's are more comfortable and the difference in stiffness is so minimal it's almost not noticeable. I can't imagine that carbon soles help power transfer at all unless you're coming from a flip-flop.
05-07-11, 04:10 AM
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I had a pair of Sidi's for over 10 years they started to stretch out so it was time for new shoes.
I went with S-Works which have a thin carbon sole that makes a difference since they seem to be at a better position in the pedals and clipping in seems easier. My guess is that you would get the same benefit from a carbon Sidi. I do like the two knob Booa system on the S-works better than Sidi and the S-Works list price is less than a high end Sidi.
I went with S-Works which have a thin carbon sole that makes a difference since they seem to be at a better position in the pedals and clipping in seems easier. My guess is that you would get the same benefit from a carbon Sidi. I do like the two knob Booa system on the S-works better than Sidi and the S-Works list price is less than a high end Sidi.
05-07-11, 07:23 AM
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05-07-11, 07:25 AM
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I'm got both plastic and carbon Sidi's. The difference in performance is very, very small. Unless you get a deal on carbon, I wouldn't bother or I would wait.
